GOLF memorabilia from Merseyside which dates back more than 100 years will come under the hammer later this month.

One of the highlights of the sale is one of the first trophies to be presented at a golf championship in Wirral which is expected to fetch up to #400 at the auction in Chester.

The glass flask is inscribed with the words: "Royal Liverpool Golf Club. Won by James Smith, 7 Aug, 1876".

But the Hoylake-based club said last night it has no plans to bid for the flask and return it to Wirral.

Group Captain Christopher Moore, secretary at the Royal Liverpool, said: "This is one of a number of prizes which could have been offered and won by members of the club at that time.

"The club has no plans to bid for this item as it would have been an individual prize."

Colin Palmer, golf specialist at auctioneers Phillips, in Chester, said: "This is a very early piece of golf memorabilia.

"Golf only really started to boom in the 1890s.

"What makes it particularly special is the fact that it is from one of the top golf clubs in the country which has now been awarded the honour of going back on to the Open Championship rota. This can only further enhance its prestige. It is also in very good condition."

A 1936 Hoylake Open Championship programme is expected to fetch up to #800 at the sale and a 1933 programme from the Ryder Cup tournament at Southport and Ainsdale could bring in up to #600. The most expensive lot in the sale is a feather golf ball which is expected to raise #20,000.

The last occasion a feather ball came under the hammer at Phillips was six years ago and this fetched #17,500.

Mr Palmer added: "This ball is in excellent condition.

"They are extremely rare. Feather balls were no longer made after the 1850s."

The feather balls are made from leather and stuffed with feathers. The modern golf balls are made from a rubber compound.

Also coming under the hammer are four 19th century golf watercolours. Mr Palmer hopes each of these will fetch between #6,000 and #7,000.

Mr Palmer said: "This will probably be one of the best golf sales we have held.

"There will be more than 500 lots which are expected to raise around #200,000."

The auction will be at Phillips in Christleton Road, Chester on July 16.